An Atlanta man is facing federal charges after authorities claimed he orchestrated a fraud scheme to siphon off more than $3 million from CARES Act relief funds. Ian Patrick Jackson, 37, was indicted earlier this month for his alleged role in the conspiracy involving fraudulent loan applications submitted under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs. His appearance in court follows what U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg described as a "lengthy investigation," according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Hertzberg stated, "Jackson’s arrest caps a lengthy investigation that involved multiple defendants and more than $3 million in stolen funds intended to help struggling Americans during a national health crisis." In a scheme that preyed on government initiatives designed to support American businesses amid the pandemic, Jackson allegedly directed at least nine business owners to prepare falsified tax documents for PPP loan applications, each securing $300,000. The business owners reportedly issued checks to non-existent employees, keeping the funds themselves or kicking back a share to co-conspirators, including Jackson, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The charges Jackson faces include one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, two counts of bank fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering. Conviction on these charges could land him a maximum of 30 years in prison for the conspiracy and bank fraud counts, and 20 years for wire fraud and money laundering counts. Despite the severity of the indictment, it's important to remember that these accusations remain just that – as per the legal standard, Jackson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, Paul Brown admonished the exploitation of the CARES Act, saying, "Lying to gain access to economic stimulus funds for personal gain will be met with justice." The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Small Business Association - Office of the Inspector General and the FBI. Jackson reportedly splurged on personal luxuries such as dining, spa services, and a vacation in Aruba using the proceeds from these fraudulent loans, catering to a lifestyle of indulgence rather than the intended recipient's relief, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The Department of Justice continues to tackle pandemic-related fraud, urging the public to report any suspected fraudulent activities related to COVID-19 through the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline or online complaint form. Anyone with information is encouraged to step forward, contributing to the ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of emergency relief initiatives and ensure justice is served.
